Chris Basham speaks for first time about horror injury sustained in Sheffield United’s Fulham defeat
Chris Basham remains convinced that he will fully recover from the horror injury he suffered earlier this season after the Sheffield United legend discussed his future for the first time since the incident. The United captain spent lengthy time in hospital after being stretchered off at Craven Cottage back in early October.
He has since been released to return back to his home in the north east, and has updated fans on his condition via his Instagram account – which has seen him receive hundreds of supportive messages as he begins the long road to recovery. At 35, and out of contract next summer, the injury prompted speculation in some quarters about Basham’s future but Paul Heckingbottom, United’s manager at the time, insisted that no-one was thinking in such terms about one of the most popular players in United’s recent history.
Basham discussed the injury for the first time in the United matchday programme for the Boxing Day match against Luton Town at home. “The club put me in contact with a physio and I’m currently doing three sessions a week,” said the player. “I can’t put any weight through my foot right now, so that’s the next goal.”
“I’m wearing a protective boot during each session, but I’m getting back on the bike and doing a few more things that are restoring some normalcy, and I’m starting to see a little light at the end of what remains a long tunnel.”
“I am grateful for your ongoing and unwavering support; it has been incredible.” If there have been times when I have felt down and out, I have looked through my messages and update posts and seen the reactions and feelings towards me. And that gives me a huge boost.”
Fulham skipper Tim Ream earned widespread respect and praise for staying with Basham on the Craven Cottage pitch after the sickening injury, which occurred as he fell after a cross, and Basham has spoken to the USA international defender in the months since that afternoon. “I couldn’t have been more grateful though for how everyone reacted,” Basham added.
“Our staff more than anyone and obviously Tim Ream was the first player that came over to me. The response of the crowd and everyone at Fulham was astounding and showed how much they genuinely cared. I’ve been in touch with Tim since the incident too. It was a sad affair, but I have to think about the future now, not the past. I have to believe I’ll fully recover from this and see where it takes us.”
The full interview with Basham can be found in the Boxing Day programme vs. Luton, which is on sale around the stadium on the day or can be pre-ordered now.
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